Tipping Photographers

[Boardwalk_bride]

I know that technically you do not need to tip people that own their own company, but I was wondering here has given any sort of gratitude (cash, gift card) to their photographer?

[Skylarr29]

Well I flew in my photographers so a different situation. I was contracted to pay for their hotel room but I threw in a couple extra nights for them and park tickets. In return they then threw in a newlywed photo shoot so it worked well.

I think just making sure they are well fed and have access to food and water through out the day is a great gesture. My photographers were vegetarians and were so appreciative of the fact that I took the time to find that out and give them an actual meal. They were telling me of how many times they work 12 + hours and then they get a deli plate that they can't eat and that no one even offers them water. I told them to help themselves to drinks at the bar etc. and made sure they had a place to sit and breaks during the day.

If they are happy they will work harder for you as opposed to being hungry and tired.

I personally don't think a cash tip appropriate but a useful gift of some sort would be nice.

[Chilly]

We did give Randy a tip at the end of the night as he had in the end worked a whole extra hour for us but I can't remember how much it was.

[Boston Disney Bride]

I'd like to know if I should tip the following?

Steamer
Photographer
Hair/Makeup
Wedding Coordinator
Officiant

Thanks in Advance!

[Sparky534]

I found this website about tipping. I hope this can help you.

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/wedding-vendor-tipping-cheat-sheet.aspx?MsdVisit=1

[Boston Disney Bride]

I found this website about tipping. I hope this can help you.

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/wedding-vendor-tipping-cheat-sheet.aspx?MsdVisit=1

That helped immensely! Thanks!

[Rebclay]

I found this website about tipping. I hope this can help you.

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/wedding-vendor-tipping-cheat-sheet.aspx?MsdVisit=1

Are these still relevant with a disney wedding? Just curious.

[Chilly]

Photographer - I did
Hair/Makeup - I did
Wedding Coordinator - I gave her a gift
Officiant- I didn't

[Boardwalk_bride]

Photographer - I did
Hair/Makeup - I did
Wedding Coordinator - I gave her a gift
Officiant- I didn't

I'm planning on the same as this, and also the musician (since they are learning the sheet music we sent) and the transportation.

[Skylarr29]

Rule of thumb is to not tip proprietors.

Also, read your BEO carefully to make sure you aren't already being charged a service charge for people whom you are thinking about tipping.

[irisbud]

We tipped the photographer (used Disney; he refused the required amount of times then accepted) and Patricia LeJune. Both of them went above and beyond.

We may have tipped our officiant as well, I don't remember!

We didn't tip our planner or give her a gift. I felt rude not doing so, but we didn't have a very good experience with her so we decided not to.

[kcampbell]

I understand the rule about not tipping if they own their own business, but we still did for many because of their service level. For ex:

Steamer- Absolutely did
Photographer- Did not (used DPS)
Hair/Makeup- Absolutely did (*tipped seperately for the trial, wedding day, and MK shoot)
Wedding Coordinator- Gave the coordinator a gift, the planner both a tip and gift
Officiant- yes. We didn't need to, but threw in an extra $50

Off the top of my head I know we also tipped DJ Scott Messina (for his outstanding service) and the Limo driver (because we felt we had to-- not for any other reason) . I didn't tip the string trio b/c it wasn't necessary in my mind since they were already being paid.

I think if you want to give any of your vendors a tip or gift for their excellent service then you absolutely should. Guidelines are simply that...guidelines. :thumbsup2 HTH a little. :goodvibes